Long Termers: Nissan LEAF 30kWh Tekna

As a journalist (and technophile), it’s easy to get distracted by the LEAF’s technological aspects; the drivetrain and the benefits of running one. So I’ve been trying to consider this from a different angle – as if it had a petrol or diesel engine.

Not just a clever EV, the LEAF works brilliantly as a family car.

Thankfully, the LEAF isn’t a one-trick pony. Cabin space is generous and, though the boot is awkwardly shaped and home to a scratch-vulnerable Bose subwoofer, it’s having no issues swallowing a large buggy, suitcases and two bags containing charging cables.

It’s a good motorway car. The drivetrain is silent and there’s almost no wind noise, and unusually no air buffering with a single window open, while ride quality is on par with other hatchbacks, even with the Tekna’s larger wheels. However, the lack of reach adjustment on the steering wheel means I’m struggling to find my perfect driving position. I’ve taken to sitting further forwards so I can bend my arms, and bruising my left knee on the steering column while getting in and out.

Friends and family have differing opinions on the styling, it’s functional so I don’t dislike it, but we’re agreed on the lacklustre cabin. The panel around the dusk sensor has warped and separated from the dash top, and the abundance of hard, black plastic – though not badly screwed together – is unwelcoming in a car costing this much.

But it’s down to details. The LEAF is an accomplished hatchback home to fascinating technology, certainly enough that the ‘ordinary’ parts are easy to overlook.

Alex Grant

Trained on Cardiff University’s renowned Postgraduate Diploma in Motor Magazine Journalism, Alex is an award-winning motoring journalist with ten years’ experience across B2B and consumer titles. A life-long car enthusiast with a fascination for new technology and future drivetrains, he joined Fleet World in April 2011, contributing across the magazine and website portfolio and editing the EV Fleet World Website.